Punjab Chief Minister commemorates Sukhdev, Bhagat Singh and Rajguru

At Khatkar Kalan, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann honoured Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev by pledging to make strenuous efforts to obtain martyr status for the legendary freedom fighters.

Bhagat Singh was born in Khatkar Kalan

Shaheed Diwas, or Martyrs' Day, is celebrated on March 23 in memory of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shivaram Rajguru, who were hanged by the British at the Central Jail in Lahore in 1931.

Mr Mann told the media on the occasion that Bhagat Singh, who sacrificed his life while still in his youth, was never in doubt that the nation would not escape the clutches of foreign rulers.

As Mr Mann explained, his main concern was the leaders who would rule the nation after independence.

In addition to corruption, poverty, inflation and unemployment, Mr Mann said the country is facing many other ills.

Mr Mann pointed to the problem of youth emigration from the state, saying that many of them are moving to countries whose natives had been ousted by Bhagat Singh and others after a long freedom struggle.

Despite being at the helm in both the country and state, the Chief Minister lamented nothing tangible had been done to realise the dreams of Bhagat Singh.

He pledged to fulfil the dreams of the martyrs, assuring the people that he would leave no stone unturned to see that the state progresses.

People need to lend their support and cooperation to complete this Herculean task, he said.

Mann said "serious efforts" will be made to gain martyrdom for Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev.

Despite more than 70 years of independence, he feels it is unfortunate they have not been granted this status.

Mr Mann said Bhagat Singh will always be remembered by the entire nation as the man who led it out of British imperialism.

The Chief Minister also visited the museum at Khatkar Kalan and wrote in the visitors' book, "The sacred land of Khatkar Kalan had always been very near to my heart. The life and personal things showcased in the museum have made me emotional. It is our moral duty to realise the dreams of Shaheed-e-Aazam".

Additionally, Mr Mann felicitated the martyr's family.

The Chief Minister arrived at Kishan Singh's Samadhi earlier that day and offered floral tributes to the freedom fighter's father.